Supply chain management is one of the fastest growing occupations across all fields.
Earning a master’s degree in supply chain management isn’t just a pathway to gaining industry expertise, it sets you up to succeed in one of the most in-demand industries in the nation.
The next step is to choose the right supply chain management program for you. What factors should you consider, and what benefits are there to enrolling in a certain kind of program? Continue reading for five strategies to simplify your search.
1. Look For Master’s Programs That Align With Your Career Goals
Finding a program that fits your professional goals is a crucial step in choosing a supply chain graduate degree. Most programs will teach core supply chain functions like logistics, procurement, and operations, but many have a particular emphasis on a certain aspect of supply chain management.
Are you intrigued by tech-oriented jobs in supply chain management? Find a program that incorporates technical skills in informational technology and data analytics. If you’d prefer an executive leadership role, research programs that emphasize operations management and supply chain strategy. Compare course outlines and check if they align with your target job roles (such as supply chain analyst, operations manager, or procurement specialist).
2. Analyze the Financial and Professional Benefits of a Supply Chain Master’s Program
The hefty time and financial commitment of a master’s degree should lead you to carefully consider a program’s benefits before enrolling. Weigh tuition costs against job placement rates and alumni salary data to assess the financial benefits of the program and its potential ROI. A strong program has clear pathways to supply chain management jobs and career advancement. Contact a university’s admissions team to request career outcome reports and evaluate opportunities for financial aid or scholarships.
3. Research the Program’s Business Faculty
Your graduate program’s faculty will be your primary touchpoint with current industry trends and skills. Professors with a mix of academic research credentials and real-world supply chain experience have the ability to bridge theoretical frameworks with practical industry applications.
Review faculty profiles before applying, looking for those with consulting experience, published research, or prior roles at major corporations. Experienced professors with a strong professional background often bring relevant case studies and practical problem-solving approaches into the classroom.
4. Seek Out Strong Supply Chain Internship Opportunities
Supply chain internships are typically the capstone of a supply chain management degree. They offer invaluable hands-on experience that allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world operations. Programs with strong industry partnerships often include in-person internships, real-world projects, and corporate networking opportunities.
Completing an internship can increase your employability and serve as the pathway to a full-time role. Internships provide real-world exposure to demand planning, procurement, logistics management, and process optimization. They also help you develop problem-solving and analytical skills, build professional networks, and gain insights into industry-specific challenges.
5. Consider Learning Format: In-Person vs. Online Supply Chain Master’s Programs
The format and location of your supply chain master’s degree has a direct influence on its value to your professional goals. When choosing a program, consider your learning style, professional obligations, and whether being physically near supply chain hubs could benefit your career opportunities.
In-person programs can strengthen networking relationships through face-to-face interactions, hands-on projects, and direct engagement with faculty. Online and hybrid formats offer the convenience of flexible scheduling, making it easier for working professionals to balance classes with career and personal commitments. They often include digital access to lectures, networking events, and virtual collaboration tools.
Expand Your Career In Logistics with Ashland’s Supply Chain Master’s Program
Pursuing a master's degree in supply chain management is a strategic investment in your future, equipping you with the skills and insights you need to thrive in a rapidly-expanding global industry. By choosing the right program, you'll gain hands-on experience, build a strong professional network, and develop the expertise to tackle complex supply chain challenges with confidence.
Ashland University’s Master of Science in Supply Chain Management shows you how to connect key areas of business with focused supply chain management training. Our curriculum dives deep into important operational decisions, such as new product development, capacity planning, and production system strategies like factory automation. The program is designed to sharpen your critical thinking skills and teach you to apply theory and strategy to real-world supply chain management jobs.
The MS in Supply Chain Management program is offered both online and in-person to fit your timeframe and professional goals, with a completion time of 1-2 years.
Enrolling in a supply chain master’s program can open doors to leadership roles and long-term success. Take the first step toward becoming a supply chain leader by requesting more information.
